Major Gifts Officer

Great People. Great Mission. Great Benefits. A community driven to find a cure.
With a bold vision of life without brain disease, the American Brain Foundation supports research to help diagnose, treat, and cure brain diseases and disorders that affect one in six people worldwide. Established in 1992 by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the world’s largest association of neurologists, the American Brain Foundation shares a headquarters with the AAN in downtown Minneapolis. The American Brain Foundation’s unique partnership with the AAN allows the Foundation to have access to the best and brightest minds to identify and support the most high-risk and high-reward neurologic research.

The AAN’s headquarters, built in 2012, is a beautiful, energy-efficient office in the vibrant Mill District, just steps from the light rail, major bus lines, great parking options, walking/biking paths, and countless dining and entertainment options.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) has direct responsibility for strategically planning and executing the Foundation’s major and planned giving programs. This position dedicates time, energy and attention to the important work of cultivating relationships, participating in high impact fundraising activities, and asking donors for gifts of a magnitude vital to successful funding of major priorities. Priority focus will be on donors capable of making annual gifts of $2,500 and above as well as soliciting sponsorship from corporations and institutions for the Foundation’s annual fundraising gala. The MGO drives events and resources directly related to cultivating major donors, while utilizing a planned giving software program

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Major Giving Program• Plan and lead major giving program
• Research and qualify major gift donor prospects
• Grow relationships with major gift donors
• Develop donor solicitation strategy for major gift prospects
• Collaborate with Executive Director on ED major giving targets and strategy
• Design and operate a major donor stewardship program
• Track and assess major gift fundraising metrics
• Draft major gift proposal documents tailored for individuals and sponsors
• Work collaboratively with members of the board and staff on fundraising
• Assure that all proposals and actions are entered in the Raiser’s Edge database

This job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, activities, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public administration, fundraising, philanthropic studies or similar area required

Experience:• Three or more years of prospect management and successful development experience required, preferably with a foundation
• Experience with Raisers Edge, fundraising software and Crescendo, planned giving software preferred
• Experience with raising corporate sponsorships and donor cultivation events preferred

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate major gift relationships and close gifts of $2,500 and above
• Track record of success in planned giving, and special events sponsorships
• Strategic know-how for building a small organization’s major giving program nationally
• Strong planning and budgeting skills
• Experience in start-up organizations a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Strong customer service skills

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

FLSA Classification: ExemptTravel Requirements: Frequent travel up to 50%, Some evenings and weekends required; Ability to legally travel outside of the United States, particularly but not limited to CanadaLocation: Minneapolis, MNPhysical Requirements: Standard office setting, with ability to sit for long periods of time, occasional use of stairs; regular use of computer and office equipment, lifting up to 10 lbs. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.